Review: Powerful Play of a Mother’s love and the tragedy of addiction-Colleen Smith-Wallnau gives acting Masterclass

Three cheers for four women who have combined their impressive talents to give us a truly riveting, thought provoking, new play about a mother’s unwavering love for a son whose drug addiction led him to a cell on death row. First; the playwright, Jennifer Fawcett who has written this powerful play. Second, the veteran actress, Colleen Smith Wallnau, who gives a brilliant, gut-wrenching solo performance. (Attention:-drama students….she is providing a masterclass in acting); third ,the director Mikaela Kafka, a veteran of the CSC series who guided Collen Smith-Wallnau in more than staging, but in making an apple pie over the course of the 70 minutes (no intermission), and fourth, Catherine Rust, the CSC’s Program Director of the Women Playwrights Series, a leader in recognizing and providing new writing talent the opportunity to present their unique voice or perspective on our world.

The play is the award winning Apples in Winter *sponsored by the National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere series. It is set in a makeshift kitchen in a prison occupied by Miriam, the mother of an inmate who in seven hours is to be executed. As his “last meal” he has requested and been granted, not the usual hamburger and fries, but a simple piece of apple pie. Not any pie, but his mother’s apple pie, a favorite from childhood. Miriam’s son committed a violent crime 22 years ago while he was dealing with drug withdrawal which resulted in the deaths of two teenagers. The playbill is spot-on stating that “ this is a play about monsters and the mothers of monsters. And about how we care for each other. And about how to make a really good apple pie.”

The guilt consuming Miriam is not only how did she miss the early signs of his addiction, but most troubling, “what if” she had not refused his phone call pleading for her help that fateful night. In the eyes of many, she is more guilty of the horrible crime than her son….clearly, that is the opinion of the grief stricken parents of the two victims. Weren’t she and her late husband responsible for raising the boy to believe anything could be his? Were they lawn mower parents… constantly protecting him from the consequences of his actions?

It is a powerful play that deserves extensive exposure. It doesn’t provide answers to the growing problem of drug addiction and dealing with an addict, particularly a loved one, however, if addiction has touched your world you will find this theatre experience particularly important. Beyond the tough topic, the outstanding performance of this gifted woman is truly unforgettable theatre.

During the show's run, Centenary Stage Company has invited organizations that support people struggling with addiction and their families, including local group Parent-To-Parent, to set up information tables in the lobby. The Nov. 11 afternoon show included a post-performance talk back with the cast, creative team and Keith Morgen, who runs the Centenary University's Undergraduate Substance Abuse Research Team (photo above).

"We want to raise awareness about the support networks and treatment programs that are available," Rust said. "Sometimes people don't know what to do or where to go. There's also a really delicate line between supporting someone fighting addiction and enabling them."

The act of baking live deserves comment:"The baking of the pie is a kind of choreography," Fawcett said. "When is she mixing the dough? When is she slicing the apples?  Feeding your child is an incredibly intimate act. Emotions are fraught when they won't eat because you want to give comfort in feeding."    

Reviewed by Rick Busciglio November 11,2018

Primary production credits: Aaron Turetsky set design; Ethan Newman lighting design; Kevin Semancik sound design; and Danielle Constance stage manager.

Apple in Winter will play through November 18 at the Centenary Stage Company Lackland Performing Arts Center at 715 Grand Ave. Hackettstown, NJ. Remaining Individual performance dates are Friday, November 16 at 8PM; Saturday, November 17 at 8PM; Sunday, November 18 at 2PM; Wednesday, November 14 at 2PM and Thursdays, November 15 at 7:30PM.

For tickets ($17.50-29.50) visit centenarystageco.org or call the Centenary Stage Company box office at (908) 979 – 0900. The theatre is located in the Lackland Performing Arts Center at 715 Grand Ave. Hackettstown, NJ on the campus of Centenary University.

*Apples In Winter marks the 75^th new play to be a part of the NNPN RWP program with other productions being presented at Riverside Theatre (Iowa City, IA) and Phoenix Theatre (Indianapolis, IN). The play started as a one-page proposal Fawcett submitted to the National New Play Network, winning her the $10,000 commissioning prize. The title comes from the fact that the mother has carefully selected apples for the filling but is frustrated by their off-season quality.

Tonight: Reading at Luna in West Orange

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 12
7.30 PM

three girls never learnt the way home
By Matthew Paul Olmos  |  Directed by Chris Kuiken

CAST
Pacifica - Andrea Ferro
Edith - Brittany Bellizeare
Ivory - Rocky Vega
A Mother - Liz Samuel

Matthew Paul Olmos’ play focuses on the friendship of three minority girls, who find themselves straddling two different worlds after being bussed to a newly integrated school. Using elements of magical realism and visceral theatricality, three girls never learnt the way home explores the question of what happens to children caught in the middle of complicated adult fears.

$15 suggested donation at the door.

Coming Soon to Luna's MainStage
THE ASSIGNMENT
By Camilo Almonacid  |  Directed by David Winitsky

FIND OUT MORE

GUN VIOLENCE RIPPED APART THEIR LIVES,
NOW LITERATURE WILL HELP THEM HEAL.

2-week limited run. Tickets on sale now!

GET TICKETS NOW

‘It’s a Wonderful Life: a live radio play’ returns to MST

Mile Square Theatre, Hudson County’s leading professional theatre, revives its beloved production of It’s a Wonderful Life: a live radio play, by Joe Landry. Mile Square Theatre becomes a live recording studio in the golden age of radio, and MST theatre goers become the studio audience as WMST “goes on air” to broadcast Frank Capra’s popular holiday story.

“This is the fourth time we’ve produced this play, and each production draws bigger audiences. For me personally, I never tire of it. I’m always moved by the story of George Bailey’s journey where he comes to truly appreciate the values of community and family. The show is life-affirming.” says MST Artistic Director Chris O’Connor. “This year Joseph Discher takes the helm as director. Joe’s well-known for his work at Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, as well as stints Off-Broadway and regionally. The wonderful John Keller, who wowed our audiences as Dracula two season ago, comes back to reprise the role of George Bailey. We’re so excited to have him back at MST.” 

Rounding out this ensemble cast is Michael Daly (STNJ, Utah Shakespeare), Tim Nicolai (Public Theater), Maggie Weston (returning as Mary Bailey from the 2016 production), Noelle Jazz (STNJ, Premiere Stages), and Hannah Mount (Vital Theatre’s Angelina Ballerina)as the Foley Artist.

The creative team, led by director Joseph Discher (The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey’s Charlie’s Aunt) includes MST scenic designer Bethanie Wampol (STNJ), costume designer Natalie Loveland (Charlie’s Aunt at STNJ), and lighting designer Jason Flamos (MST’s The 39 Steps).

It’s a Wonderful Life: a live radio play begins performances on Thursday, November 29 and runs till Sunday, December 23. Opening night is December 30.

It’s a Wonderful Life: a live radio play, presented by Mile Square Theatre

1400 Clinton Street, Hoboken

November 29 through December 23: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays @ 8pm, and Saturdays and Sundays @ 3pm

Tickets available at www.milesquaretheatre.org, or by calling 201-683-7014.

Tickets are $30-40 • $18 students and seniors.

GROUP SALES and Holiday Party sales available: email abaldwin@milesquaretheatre.org

Photo Credit: John Keller as George Bailey in MST’s production of It’s a Wonderful Life: a live radio play. Photo by Joe Epstein.

Discount Parking available at The Harlow at 1330 Willow Avenue and at Little Man Parking at 1300 Jefferson Street.

For more information on Mile Square Theatre, please visit www.milesquaretheatre.org.

MST Season Sponsorship: Advance Realty, Bijou Properties, Halstead Property, Ironstate, Jet.com, Kearny Bank, Little City Books, The Rockefeller Group

Mile Square Theatre is supported by the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation.

This program is made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey Council on the Arts/Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts and by funds from the National Endowment for the Arts, administered by the Hudson County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, Thomas A. Degise, County Executive, and the Board of Chosen Freeholders.

Mile Square Theatre is a member of The New Jersey Theatre Alliance.

.COMPANY BIOS:

JOHN P. KELLER (George Bailey) TV:  Beckert on Boardwalk Empire (HBO). Theater: NYC credits include world premieres of Mourning Sun, You are now the Owner of This Suitcase and JH3AM with Theater 167, 2012 NY revival of The Violet Hour by Richard Greenberg. Regional: Most recently Pirira at Luna Stage. John has performed extensively at Orlando Shakespeare Theater, including Nicholas in Nicholas Nickleby; Captors at Contemporary American Theater Festival, Dracula at Alabama Shakespeare, Inspecting Carol at George Street Playhouse, as well as roles in Macbeth, Much Ado, Midsummer, and Twelfth Night at Worcester Shakespeare Festival. For MST, he has been in It’s a Wonderful Life, Twelfth Night, Dracula: The Journals of Jonathan Harker, and 7th Inning Stretch. International credits included the Balinese Arts Festival and at the Kampala International Theater Festival in Uganda. John also serves as Director of Education and Outreach for the socially engaged arts organization coLAB Arts based in New Jersey. He holds an MFA in Acting from Rutgers University. He is a proud member of Actors Equity Association.

Michael Daly (Freddie Filmore/Potter/Others) New Jersey credits include: The Grapes of Wrath, Much Ado About Nothing and Of Mice and Men (all three directed by Joe Discher), A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Wonderland…And What Was Found There, and The Playboy of the Western World at the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, Pericles and Greater Tuna (Utah Shakespeare Festival), Mr. Collins in Pride and Prejudice, Toby Belch in Twelfth Night and Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Orlando Shakespeare Festival); The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged  (Florida Studio Theatre); Tiger Brown in ThreePenny Opera (Connecticut Rep); Smee in Peter Pan and Murphy in Windy City (Walnut Street Theater); Michael in The Irish…and How They Got That Way (Fulton Opera House); title role in Macbeth (Southwest Shakespeare); Falstaff in Merry Wives of Windsor, Launce in Two Gentlemen of Verona and Stephano in The Tempest (Nebraska Shakespeare Festival); as well as several seasons at Milwaukee Repertory.

TIM NICOLAI (Clarence, etc.) The Public: Othello, Plenty, Cymbeline, The Tempest. Broadway: The Glass Menagerie. Regional: The Grapes of Wrath, Romeo and Juliet and The Tempest (Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey). NYU: Three Sisters, Describe the Night (Rajiv Joseph world premiere), Pale Fires. TV: “Madam Secretary” (CBS), "Search Party" (TBS), “Z" (Amazon). MFA: NYU Grad Acting.

MAGGIE WESTON (Mary Bailey) is thrilled to reprise her role as Mary in this special show with Mile Square Theatre where she is also an educator in theatre arts all around Hoboken. Her recent roles include Barbara in Shear Madness at Southeastern Summer Theater, Metamorphoses at the Adrienne Arsht Center of Miami and co-starring on this season of Law & Order: SVU. Happy holidays and warm wishes to this lovely cast and to you!

JOELLE ZAZZ (Violet, etc.) is ecstatic to make her debut at Mile Square Theatre! New York: 10th Anniversary Broadway Concert of The Tale of Two Cities: The Musical. Regional credits: Great Kills, Las Cruces, and Black Tom Island (Premiere Stages), A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shakespeare in Love, and The Servant of Two Masters (Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey). Kean University: Theatre Performance BFA. Thank you to Joe, Chris, and Bryan for believing in her. Merry Christmas! www.joellezazz.com

HANNAH MOUNT (Foley Artist) Hannah is honored to be making her Mile Square Theatre debut in this unique adaptation of such a beloved Christmas tale. Originally from Irmo, South Carolina, Hannah holds her B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from Molloy College and the CAP 21 Musical Theatre Conservatory. She recently completed a run of “Angelina Ballerina the Musical” as Angelina Ballerina with the Vital Theatre Company, made her solo debut in the 30th "54 Sings Broadway's Greatest Hits!" at Feinstein's/54 Below and appeared in "Broadway Rising Stars" at The Town Hall. Other credits include: Carrie the Musical (Carrie White), Seussical (Mayzie La Bird), Pippin (Leading Player), Legally Blonde (Elle Woods), and Campy Cabaret’s: The Nightman Cometh (The Waitress). www.hannahmount.online

JOSEPH DISCHER (Director) is excited to be joining MST for the first time. Off-Broadway: The Violin starring Robert LuPone (world premiere) and Butler (NYC premiere). Mr. Discher also directed the world premiere of Butler at NJ Rep as well as subsequent productions at Barrington Stage and Majestic Theatre in MA. He has directed over twenty-five productions at The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, including Charley’s Aunt, A Child’s Christmas in Wales, The Diary of Anne Frank, Wittenberg, Our Town, Henry IV; Part One, To Kill A Mockingbird, Arms and the Man, The Grapes of Wrath, The Tempest, Amadeus, Life of Galileo, Of Mice and Men, A Midwinter Night’s Dream, The Fantasticks, Twelfth Night, That Scoundrel Scapin, Travels With My Aunt, and Much Ado About Nothing. Other Regional: Antony and Cleopatra (Orlando Shakespeare) One Man Two Guvnors (Florida Studio Theater). A Moon for the Misbegotten (Playhouse on Park), The Weir, Red and As You Like It (Theatreworks), and Julius Caesar (Shakespeare Festival of St. Louis). Mr. Discher is an associate artist at the Shakespeare Theatre of NJ, where he spent twenty years on staff as Associate Artistic Director and Casting Director. He is a proud member of SDC, Actors’ Equity and a graduate of Drew University.

CHRIS O’CONNOR (Artistic Director) Chris is Founding Artistic Director of Mile Square Theatre. In 2017, he received an Award of Excellence from the New Jersey Theatre Alliance for his leadership as Artistic Director of Mile Square Theatre. As an actor, Chris has performed in such theatres as Franklin Stage Company, Seattle’s A Contemporary Theatre, The Culture Project, Soho Rep, The Ahmanson, Gloucester Stage, Provisional Theatre of Los Angeles, The Bathhouse Theatre, Seattle Children's Theatre, City Theatre in Pittsburgh, where he originated the role of Peter in Craig Wright’s The Pavilion, and recently at Maltz Jupiter Theatre in Billy Elliot. Recent TV credits include Magic City and Burn Notice. He appears in the upcoming indie thriller Depraved. Chris has directed over 25 productions at MST and has directed at theatres and universities all over America, most recently at Lyric Repertory in Logan, Utah, where he directed The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged. His recent work at Mile Square Theatre includes The Garden of Rikki Tikki Tavi, Betrayal, Circle Mirror Transformation and the world premiere of Long Gone Daddy by Joseph Gallo. He played Vanya in this season’s production of Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike. He is an Assistant Professor on the Theatre Arts faculty at Molloy College. Chris holds a BFA from Carnegie-Mellon University and an MFA from Rutgers University.

Centenary Stage Company’s Family Holiday Spectacular is ‘Annie the musical’

This holiday season everyone’s favorite orphan, Annie, joins Centenary Stage Company for the Family Holiday Spectacular production of Annie the musical. Annie opens November 23 and runs in Centenary Stage Company’s Lackland Performing Arts Center until December 9.

Based on the popular comic strip by Harold Gray, Annie has become a worldwide phenomenon and was the winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The beloved book and score by Tony Award winners, Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, features some of the greatest musical theatre hits ever written, including "Tomorrow." With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone's hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. She is determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City Orphanage that is run by the cruel, embittered Miss Hannigan. With the help of the other girls in the Orphanage, Annie escapes to the wondrous world of NYC. In adventure after fun-filled adventure, Annie foils Miss Hannigan's evil machinations... and even befriends President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. She finds a new home and family in billionaire, Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary, Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named Sandy.

Featuring a cast of over 60 performers from New Jersey, New York City and beyond, Centenary Stage Company’s production of Annie is directed by Broadway, film and television veteran Michael Blevins.  Blevins has appeared in several Broadway productions including Bring Back Birdie, Neil Simon's Little Me, and The Tap Dance Kid in which he originated the role of Winslow Alexander. He has appeared in the Tony Awards Show, as well as many other television shows, feature films and TV commercials, and is widely known for his portrayal of Mark in Sir Richard Attenborough's film A Chorus Line. He is also featured in Chaplin. He is also the director of the new Musical Theatre Works Academy and has worked with many noted directors and choreographers, among them Danny Daniels, Bob Fosse, Woody Allen, Vivian Matalon, Joe Layton, Lynn Taylor-Corbett and Peter Gennaro. He has choreographed music videos for Amy Grant, five national commercials as well as the off- Broadway production of The Mad Forrest, and his own show, the Musical Count to Ten at New York's Musical Theatre Works.  Blevins also serves as director of Centenary Stage Company’s Young Performers Workshop. 

The cast includes Broadway veteran Liz McConahay Wanfried (Scotch Plains, NJ) as Miss Hannigan. McConahay Wanfried’s Broadway credits include “The Full Monty” (Estelle), “Cabaret” (Fraulein Kost), and “Titanic” (Alice Beane), and she has appeared in numerous commercials and television episodes. Centenary Stage Company audiences may remember McConahay Wanfried from the World Premiere of Neena Beber’s “The Dew Point” and Theresa Rebeck’s “Bad Dates” at CSC (photo right). Osborne Focht (Hoboken, NJ) returns to Centenary Stage Company as Daddy Warbucks. A CSC favorite, audiences will remember Focht from his memorable performances in “A Christmas Carol” (Scrooge) and “Peter Pan” (Captain Hook) among many others. Centenary Stage Company also welcomes back Justin Boccitto (New York, NY) as Rooster and Alycia Kunkle (Hoboken, NJ) as Grace Ferrell. CSC audiences will remember Boccitto from his performances in “Mary Poppins” (Bert) and his own show “Song and Dance Men”, which had a limited run as part as CSC’s 2017/18 Fringe Festival. Kunkle’s CSC credits include “A Christmas Carol” (Mrs. Cratchit), “The Ladies Man” (Yvonne) and “Becky Shaw” (Suzanna). Grace Nagel (Hackettstown, NJ) is making her professional debut as the title character, Annie. Eleven year old Nagel has been participating in Centenary Stage Company’s Young Performers Workshop for several seasons.

ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST Playhouse on Park-Directed by Ezra Barnes

“An amazing production of Dale Wasserman’s play about the mistreatments of Mental Health in the mid twentieth century is waiting for you at Playhouse on Park. Beautifully directed by Ezra Barnes, with an ensemble cast that maintains each character within the whole, the play takes place within a men’s ward in a state-run Psychiatric Hospital somewhere in the Northwest.” (Tom Nissley, The Ridgelea Report)

“As drama, it packs a punch, ratcheting up the stakes until the consequences become unthinkable.” (Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant)

“It is loud, a bit ribald and in the end shattering.” (Nancy Sasso Janis, Naugatuck Patch)

ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST
Playhouse on Park, West Hartford, CT

By Dale Wasserman, From the Novel by Ken Kesey

Directed by Ezra Barnes

Limited Engagement: Through November 18

Wayne Willinger as Randle Patrick McMurphy

“The principle characters are particularly well cast. As McMurphy, Wayne Willinger has plenty of swagger and charm...he never lets us forget—for all the heroizing of his fellow inmates—that McMurphy is just an average guy, mostly flying by the seat of his pants.." (Donald Brown, New Haven Review).

"Wayne Willinger plays McMurphy with steadfast energy, bad-boy charm, droll hostility and a quirky intensity that works especially well. He's a hustler and live wire about to explode, which is exactly what the part calls for." (Jim Ruocco, From the Desk of Jim R)

Katya Collazo as Nurese Flinn, Patricia Randell as Nurse Ratched

“Patricia Randell's performance as Nurse Ratched ...makes this production shine. She is subtle in her tyranny and is initially hard to read - is she truly evil? Does she care about the patients or just about making their lives miserable? The fact that the audience even asks these questions is what makes Ms. Randell's performance so brilliant." (Joseph Harrison, Broadway World)

“Director Ezra Barnes works skillfully with his terrific group of actors and his team of designers. Patricia Randell is absolutely magnificent, more than able to hold her own opposite the fiery Willinger." (Zander Opper, Talkin’ Broadway)

Christmas is in the Air at Hunterdon Hills Playhouse

Hunterdon Hills Playhouse is decked out for the season as they present their 2018 holiday show, “Christmas in the Air.” As patrons arrive at the Playhouse, they will notice the festive decorations adorning the dinner theatre both inside and out, including a 25 foot Christmas tree and a freshly baked gingerbread village. After a delicious table served meal, which includes an all you can eat dessert buffet, the professional cast takes the stage and the spirited show begins.

“Christmas in the Air” delights audiences as they follow along on a holiday journey with radio host “Benny Blunt,” as he rediscovers the true meaning of Christmas. Featuring all new original songs as well as classic and traditional favorites, hilarious comedy sketches, spectacular dance numbers, and a live onstage orchestra, "Christmas in the Air" is Christmas like you remember all wrapped up in a show you'll never forget!

Conceived by Peter Sham and Don Amorosi, “Christmas In The Air” is directed by Don Amorosi with musical direction by Mark Baron and choreography by Mimi Connell and Rhett Guter. The talented, professional cast includes Henry Ballesteros, Colleen Campbell, Mari Green, Rhett Guter,  Luke Sidney Johnson, Cassandra Leigh Maguire, Patrick May, Courtney McMullin and Justin Allen Tate.

With spectacular shows, delicious table-served entrees, and professional talent, Hunterdon Hills Playhouse is New Jersey’s premier dinner theatre. You can purchase tickets to the holiday show online at www.hhplayhouse.com or by calling the box office at 908-730-8007.

Onstage now until December 20, 2018

Matinee shows:  Monday thru Saturday 11:30 am – 3:30 pm

Saturday Evening show:  6:30 pm – 10:30 pm

Sunday Afternoon show:  2:30 pm – 6:30 pm

The Hunterdon Hills Playhouse

88 Route 173 West

Hampton, NJ 08827

Gun Violence at Luna Stage

Luna Stage explores friendship, loss, and forgiveness in its second play of the 2018-19 MainStage Season. The Assignment, by Camilo Almonacid, begins a two-week limited engagement at Luna Stage on Thursday, November 29, directed by David Winitsky.

The Assignment stars Rafael Poueriet (right) as Julian J. Torres, an ebullient 37-year old scholarship student who is trying to reframe his life after a troubled youth and time in prison. Opposite Poueriet, Antu Yacob (below) stars as Helen Payne, a brilliant and reserved English professor recovering from tragedy. Wary at first, Dr. Payne is won over the by Julian’s intelligence and likability. The two unlikely friends connect through the power of great literature.

Winitsky called The Assignment “a moving and human mediation on the ways that we seek to find meaning, forgive, and continue forward.” Artistic Director Ari Laura Kreith chose this play for her inaugural season because “Luna produces plays that engage the deepest challenges facing us as a culture. Camilo's play offers a perspective that is beautifully drawn, funny, surprising, and true.”

The Assignment, a new play by Camilo Almonacid, Directed by David Winitsky

At Luna Stage, 555 Valley Street, West Orange, NJ | 973 395 5551

Performances: Thursday, November 29, Closes Sunday December 9

Schedule: Thursdays, 7:30pm | Fridays & Saturdays, 8pm | Sundays, 3pm & 7pm

Tickets: www.LunaStage.org/TheAssignment

Running time: 90 minutes, no intermission

www.LunaStage.org

A Musical State of Mind @MONDO

A Musical State of Mind @MONDO  

Friday, November 9 at 8pm

Saturday, November 10 at 8pm

Sunday, November 11 at 2pm

A Musical State of Mind is a cabaret of songs inspired by our great states and the cities within them. You might hear James Taylor's "Carolina in My Mind," "New York, New York," "Moonlight in Vermont," Tom Waits' "Jersey Girl" and many more brought to you by Dreamcatcher's singers and their guests. The audience is welcome to sing along or sit back and enjoy the ride!

Performers in the cabaret include Dreamcatcher company members Harry Patrick Christian, Laura Ekstrand and Scott McGowan, who will be joined by guests Vanessa Parvin, a member of the close harmony group Marquee Five and Julian Gordon, an actor and musician based in Summit. The singers will be accompanied by James Lubrano, a musician and vocal coach who has worked with numerous vocal musical groups and schools in the state.

The performance will be held at MONDO, 426 Springfield Avenue, a cultural gathering place in downtown Summit, NJ.  

For more information on directions and parking, visit www.MondoSummit.com.

Buy Your Tickets! 

General Admission $25

https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3463268

MONDO | 426 Sprigfield Avenue, Summit. NJ 07901 | www.MondoSummit.com

Use the code CABARET to receive 10% off advance tickets.

Order by phone: 800-838-3006

Come ready to sing with us!

     Dreamcatcher Repertory Theatre

Oakes Center  *  120 Morris Avenue  *  Summit, NJ 07901

Tickets: 800-838-3006 | Info: 908-514-9654

www.dreamcatcherrep.org

The Shakespeare Theatre Closes Its Acclaimed 2018 Season with Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey’s concludes its 56th season with its sixth and final Main Stage production, The Winter's Tale. Last seen at The Shakespeare Theatre in 2008, Artistic Director Bonnie J. Monte directs this production of Shakespeare’s tragicomedic romance. Veteran company members Jacqueline Antaramian, Jon Barker, Erin Partin, John Keabler, Raphael Nash Thompson, Seamus Mulcahy, Patrick Toon, and Ames Adamson are among a cast of 20 actors. Performances begin December 5. Patrons can purchase tickets at The F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre located at 36 Madison Avenue in Madison by calling the Box Office at 973-408-5600 or by going online at www.ShakespeareNJ.org.

Nothing could be more perfect for the holiday season than this wintry and passionate romance. High drama launches the tale and propels it into a world of bohemian pastoral gaiety. A stunning denouement of magical rebirth and a moving reunion bring the play to its conclusion – one that embodies the spirit of the holidays and what they represent at their core. The Winter’s Tale is a perfect holiday show for the family, and the Theatre is proud to present special family matinee performances during the final week of the production.

Artistic Director Bonnie J. Monte said, “I have waited a long time to direct this magical play. It’s filled with passion, beauty, romance, intense drama, delightful comedy, music, dance, a sheep-shearing festival, a prince and a princess, shepherds and shepherdesses, a pickpocket, and a bear amongst many other things! It’s a theatrical feast for everyone, and it celebrates the power of truth and love and the ability of good, ordinary people to make magic happen.”

The Winter’s Tale is sponsored in part by Dr. W. John Bauer and Nancy B. Boucher.

The Cast:

Marking her 14^th season with STNJ, the Theatre welcomes leading lady Erin Partin back for the role of Hermione, queen of Sicilia. Her previous company credits include Wittenberg, The Tempest, A Christmas Carol, and King Lear, among many others. Her regional credits include Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, Great Lakes Theater, and Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival.

After playing the title role in last season’s epic Shakespeare in Love, veteran Jon Barker returns to The Shakespeare Theatre in the role of Leontes. king of Sicilia. Now in his 11^th season, his numerous company credits include Exit the King, The Guardsman, The Tempest, and Pericles. He has performed in regional productions with Colorado Theatreworks and 12 Miles West.

Jacqueline Antaramian returns to The Shakespeare Theatre for her sixth season as the fiery and fearless Paulina. Her company credits include Coriolanus, The Diary of Anne Frank, Pericles, Othello, and Hamlet. Ms. Antaramian has most recently been seen in major roles in television shows like Jessica Jones, Homeland, and Madam Secretary.

John Keabler returns to The Shakespeare Theatre for his third season as Polixenes, the king of Bohemia. He appeared as George Bailey in last year’s It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play. His regional credits include Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Syracuse Stage, and the Shakespeare Theatre Company.

A number of familiar faces add to this extraordinary cast; all have appeared earlier this season. They include Raphael Nash Thompson as Antigonus/Time (The Servant of Two Masters), William Sturdivant as Autolycus (Tartuffe), Ames Adamson as the Old Shepard (Blithe Spirit), Patrick Toon as Camillo (Tartuffe), Seamus Mulcahy as the Clown (Charley’s Aunt), and Courtney McGowan as Perdita (Titus Andronicus).

Rounding out the cast are Robert S. Gregory, Ryan Woods, Devin Conway, Katie Langham, Joseph Leitess, Léna Chilingerian, Lambert Tamin, David M. Farrington, and two local boys Xander Egbert-Crowe and Jeff Lin.

The Director:

Bonnie J. Monte is in her 28^th season with The Shakespeare Theatre and serves as the Artistic Director; under her leadership, the Theatre has evolved into one of the most respected classical companies in the nation. She has directed over 60 acclaimed productions for the company during her tenure, most recently directing this season’s Tartuffe, as well as Shakespeare in Love, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Red Velvet, and Exit the King.

The Creative Team:

The Winter Tale’s design team includes the creative talents of Scenic Designer Brittany Vasta, Lighting Designer Tony Galaska, Costume Designer Nikki Delhomme, and Dance Consultant Danielle Liccardo. The Production Stage Manager is Denise Cardarelli.

Tickets:

Single tickets for The Winter’s Tale begin at $29 for preview performances and begin at $49 for regular performances. Prices range from $29 to $69. The Theatre is proud to continue its successful 30 UNDER 30 program for the 2018 season. Patrons aged 30 and under can purchase tickets for only $30 with a valid ID, subject to availability. For tickets, patrons can call the Box Office at 973-408-5600 or visit www.ShakespeareNJ.org.

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey offers various cost-saving opportunities, including $15 student rush tickets, which are available 30 minutes prior to each performance with a valid student ID, as well as a limited number of Pay What You Can tickets for every performance on a first come, first served basis. Season Memberships are also available and provide significant cost savings throughout the year.

Jennifer Fawcett’s award winning Apples in Winter opens this weekend at Centenary Stage Company

The National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere of Jennifer Fawcett’s award winning Apples in Winter opens this weekend at Centenary Stage Company. The limited performances run November 8 through November 18 in the Lackland Performing Arts Center at 715 Grand Avenue Hackettstown, NJ. Directed by Mikaela Kafka, the production stars Colleen Smith Wallnau.

A finalist of Centenary Stage Company’s Women Playwrights Series (in which Kafka directed the staged reading) and winner of CSC’s 2017 Susan Glaspell award, Apples in Winter also received the prestigious National New Play Network Smith Prize of 2015-16. Apples in Winter is a moving play about the lifetime journey of a mother and son. Robert has asked his mother to make him an apple pie. It is the one thing which has bound them together since he was a young boy, with the apples gleaned from the well-loved tree in their own yard. As she begins to make the pie (which will happen onstage), she realizes it will be at last act of love to a man for whom love wasn’t enough. Parts of this play were written when Fawcett was a new mother to her own baby son. “I could feel that deep gut-level drive to do anything to protect this little human,” Fawcett says, “to give him the best life I could but what if… what if… What if he isn’t happy? What if the world isn’t kind to him, or easy, or gentle? What if?” Apples In Winter marks the 75^th new play to be a part of the NNPN RWP program with other productions being presented at Riverside Theatre (Iowa City, IA) and Phoenix Theatre (Indianapolis, IN).

Jennifer Fawcett is a co-founder and Co-Artistic Director of Working Group Theatre (WGT).  She was the NNPN Emerging-Playwright-In-Residence at Curious Theatre Company (Denver) and is the winner of the NNPN Smith Prize for Political Theatre and the Susan Glaspell Award for Apples in Winter, the NEFA National Theatre Award with WGT for Out of Bounds, the National Science Playwriting Award from the Kennedy Center for Atlas of Mud and her play Birth Witches was nominated for the ATCA/Steinberg New Play Award. A graduate of the University of Iowa MFA Playwrights Workshop, Jennifer's plays have been produced at the Source Festival (Washington, DC), Uprising Theatre Company (Minneapolis), Tennessee Women’s Theatre Project (Nashville), The Drilling Company (New York), Riverside Theatre (Iowa City), Available Light Theatre (Columbus), Hancher Auditorium (Iowa City), the Adirondack Theatre Festival (Glens Falls, NY), Halcyon Theatre (Chicago), Theatre Masters (Aspen/West Palm Beach), the Hatchery Festival (Washington, DC), and developed at Berkeley Rep's Ground Floor Summer Residency Lab, the Banff Playwrights Colony, the Lark Playwright’s Week, Cultural Conversations (Penn State), the Little Festival of the Unexpected (Portland Stage Company, ME), Central Square Theatre and M.I.T. (Cambridge, MA), Curious Theatre (Denver), Playwrights Theatre of New Jersey, Palm Beach Dramaworks (West Palm Beach, FL), and Performance Network Theatre (Ann Arbor, MI).  Prior to moving to the U.S., Jennifer worked in Toronto, Canada, where she toured with her company, Red Engine Productions, to festivals across the country.

Helming the production is director Mikaela Kafka. Kafka has been involved with The Women Playwrights Series for many years directing the readings of; Apples in Winter, Another Revolution,  Shame,  Text of Sex, The Bigsley Project, True Love, Dumporama, and Perils of Human Discourse.  Other directing credits include; The Unexpected Guest and The Selfish Giant (Players Theatre, NYC),  Women Rising: Stories of Hope, Unveiling Liberty, and History Alive! (Speranza Theatre Co.), Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead  (Circle Players), ENRON (Garage Theatre),  Dragons Breath (Fringe NYC). She received the 2016 NJACT PERRY Award, "Outstanding Original Production of a New Musical" for Wendy's Shadow by David Maglione. She also works with children having directed;  Guys and Dolls, James and the Giant Peach, HONK! The Musical, Little Mermaid, Bye Bye Birdie to name a few.  As an actress, she worked alongside her husband, Osborn Focht, in No Candy (WPS reading). Favorite credits include; Stella in Light up the Sky (Centenary Stage), Empty Plate at the Cafe de Grande Boueff" (The Arden) 'Night Mother, and The Maids (Garage) which earned her a Best Actress Nomination from the Star Ledger. 

The production stars Colleen Smith Wallnau. Colleen Smith Wallnau has worked in the professional theatre for over 30 years on Broadway, off-Broadway, regionally and internationally. Credits include: Broadway; Crazy for You, Off-Broadway; Joseph Papp Public Theatre (Through Darkest Ohio), SoHo Rep (On The Verge), Peccadillo Theatre (Beggar on Horseback), and the Mint Theatre (The Flattering Word and Oroonoko) among others. Regional theatre; Paper Mill Playhouse, North Shore Music Theatre, Asolo Repertory Theatre, Meadowbrook Theatre, Midtown International Festival and the New York Fringe Festival among others. Colleen appeared in the one-woman show Mary Todd: A Woman Apart both regionally for the Centenary Stage Company and in its off-Broadway run at the Samuel Beckett Theatre. Other Centenary Stage work include The Wizard of Oz, Deathtrap, Blithe Spirit, The Killing of Sister George among others. Colleen holds an MFA from the Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers University, is on the faculty at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York City made famous by Sanford Meisner, the illustrious acting teacher.  She is married to her favorite actor/director Carl Wallnau.

Apples in Winter runs November 8 through November 18 in Centenary Stage Company’s Lackland Performing Arts Center. Individual performance dates are Fridays, November 9 and 16 at 8PM; Saturdays, November 10 and 17 at 8PM; Sundays, November 11 and 18 at 2PM; Wednesday, November 14 at 2PM and Thursdays, November 8 and 15 at 7:30PM. Tickets are $25.00 for adults on matinee performances, $27.50 for adults on Friday evening performances, $29.50 for adults on Saturday evening performances and $27.50 for ALL SEATS with a Buy One/Get One rush ticket special when purchased in person at the Centenary Stage Company box office beginning at 5:30PM. BOGO offer not valid for advance ticket sales and may not be combined with any other discounts. Centenary Stage Company also offers a variety of group sale, buffet matinee and discounts to students and children under 12.

‘Annie the musical’ at Centenary Stage Company

This holiday season everyone’s favorite orphan, Annie, joins Centenary Stage Company for the Family Holiday Spectacular production of Annie the musical. Annie opens November 23 and runs in Centenary Stage Company’s Lackland Performing Arts Center until December 9.
Based on the popular comic strip by Harold Gray, Annie has become a worldwide phenomenon and was the winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The beloved book and score by Tony Award winners, Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, features some of the greatest musical theatre hits ever written, including "Tomorrow." With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone's hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. She is determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City Orphanage that is run by the cruel, embittered Miss Hannigan. With the help of the other girls in the Orphanage, Annie escapes to the wondrous world of NYC. In adventure after fun-filled adventure, Annie foils Miss Hannigan's evil machinations… and even befriends President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. She finds a new home and family in billionaire, Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary, Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named Sandy.
Featuring a cast of over 60 performers from New Jersey, New York City and beyond, Centenary Stage Company’s production of Annie is directed by Broadway, film and television veteran Michael Blevins.  Blevins has appeared in several Broadway productions including Bring Back Birdie, Neil Simon's Little Me, and The Tap Dance Kid in which he originated the role of Winslow Alexander. He has appeared in the Tony Awards Show, as well as many other television shows, feature films and TV commercials, and is widely known for his portrayal of Mark in Sir Richard Attenborough's film A Chorus Line. He is also featured in Chaplin. He is also the director of the new Musical Theatre Works Academy and has worked with many noted directors and choreographers, among them Danny Daniels, Bob Fosse, Woody Allen, Vivian Matalon, Joe Layton, Lynn Taylor-Corbett and Peter Gennaro. He has choreographed music videos for Amy Grant, five national commercials as well as the off- Broadway production of The Mad Forrest, and his own show, the Musical Count to Ten at New York's Musical Theatre Works.  Blevins also serves as director of Centenary Stage Company’s Young Performers Workshop. 
Centenary Stage Company’s annual Family Holiday Spectacular is a celebration of all Centenary Stage Company programming, by combining the talents of professional guest artists alongside local talent, Centenary University faculty, staff, students and students of the Young Performers Workshop programming. 
All performances will be held in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center at 715 Grand Ave. Hackettstown, NJ from November 23 through December 19.  Individual performance dates are Fridays, November 23, 30 and December 7 at 8PM; Saturdays, November 24, December 1 and 8 at 8PM; Sundays, November 25, December 2 and 9 at 2PM; Wednesday, November 28 at 2PM and Thursdays, November 29 and December 6 at 7:30PM. Ticket prices are $29.50 for adults and $20.00 for children under 12 for matinee and Friday evening performances.  Saturday evening performances are $32.00 for adults and $20.00 for children under 12.  Thursday evening performances are $29.50 for ALL SEATS with a Buy One/Get One Rush Ticket Special when purchased at the Centenary Stage Company box office in person as early as two hours prior to performance time.  BOGO Rush Ticket Special is not valid for advance ticket sales and not available via phone or internet sales. Centenary Stage Company also offers a variety of special discounts for groups, buffet matinees, scout troops, Centenary University alumni and special student rush ticketing. Terms and conditions apply. Contact the CSC box office directly for more information.
For more information or to purchase tickets visit centenarystageco.org or call the Centenary Stage Company box office at (908) 979 – 0900.  The box office is located in the Lackland Performing Arts Center at 715 Grand Ave. Hackettstown, NJ.  The box office is open Monday through Friday from 1 – 5 pm and two hours prior to each performance.  Centenary Stage Company can also be found across social media platforms; Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.  Like and follow to receive the latest in Centenary Stage Company news and special offers.

Solo play “The American Soldier” to Algonquin Arts Theatre this Saturday

Experienced actor Douglas Taurel brings his solo play “The American Soldier” to Algonquin Arts Theatre on Saturday, November 10, at 2 p.m.

The 75 minute show is based on real stories and factual accounts from soldiers and family member letters written from the American Revolution all the way through current day Afghanistan.

Enhanced by an interplay of sound and lights, Taurel enters into the personas of 14 veterans and their family members, telling their story of courage and sacrifice. He examines the internal struggles and problems that soldiers and their families face when returning home from combat.

"This is a true work of passion and I deeply hope that audiences will go away with a deeper appreciation of the tremendous sacrifice our servicemen and servicewomen, and their families, have made for our country,” Mr. Taurel said.

Tickets are $25 for adults, $22 for seniors and $15 for veterans, military and students. Group discounts are available. To order, visit algonquinarts.org or call the Algonquin Box Office at 732-528-9211.

The American Soldier has been nominated for the Amnesty International Award for theatre excellence, received 4 stars internationally, performed at the Kennedy Center, invited to perform at the Library of Congress, American Legion National Headquarters, New York Federal Reserve Bank, and been featured in The Huffington Post, The Washington Post, Military Times and Time Out to name a few and received overwhelming responses from veterans and audiences touring through the country.

Taurel has been nominated for Innovative Theater Award and Amnesty International Award. He’s appeared in numerous television shows including Mr. Robot, The Americans, Blue Bloods, Person of Interest, The Following, Damages, NYC 22, Believe, and Nurse Jackie.

In the indie world he has appeared in numerous films, including The Cobbler (starring Adam Sandler and

Dustin Hoffman directed by Tom McCarthy), Delivery at the HBO Latin Films Festival and the upcoming The Kindergarten Teacher (starring Maggie Gyllenhall and directed by Sara Conlangelo).

Taurel was commissioned by the Library of Congress to write and and perform his second solo show, An American Soldier’s Journey Home which commemorates the ending of the First World War and tells the story of Irving Greenwald, a soldier in the 308 Regiment and part of the Lost Battalion. He performed the play twice at the Library of Congress on Veterans Day and Memorial Day of 2017.

He’s recently finished filming the Web TV Series Landing Home, which he wrote and directed, it tells the story of a Veteran having a hard time to adjusting out of the Military.

About Algonquin Arts Theatre
Algonquin Arts Theatre (AAT) is a 501c(3) non-profit center for performing arts, providing cultural enrichment and arts education for residents and visitors of Central New Jersey and the Jersey Shore through high quality performances and programs in theatre, music, dance and film.

Located in Manasquan, N.J., AAT is an integral part of the Shore Region, offering broad access to arts experiences across multiple disciplines. Deeply committed to education, AAT serves students of all ages not only through art and music instruction, but also through the unique communal conversation that exists between audience member and performer. The theatre provides a platform for local and regional performers to showcase their work and offers audiences the opportunity to engage very directly and personally in the arts, fostering gr eater participation and providing an engaging means for exploring personal and societal issues through the world of the stage.

Algonquin Arts Theatre's programs are made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts / Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Funding is also provided by the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, the PNC Foundation, the Horizon Foundation of New Jersey, the OceanFirst Foundation, the Investors Bank Foundation, the Provident Bank Foundation and the generosity of our patrons.

Support the Arts…..VOTE

Election day is TOMORROW, but you still have plenty of time to prepare, do your homework, make a plan, and show up at the polls on Tuesday, November 6th!
As you ready for Election Day, be sure to review your voter information, including polling place and ballot questions.
Next, learn where candidates stand on the arts and arts education. ArtPride New Jersey’s website has responses to a congressional candidate survey, and Arts Ed NJ has info from a survey of school board candidates. These sources also offer an opportunity to learn more about how candidates personally engage in the arts.

Finally, make sure you’ve set reminders and scheduled time to vote on Tuesday. And, if you can fit it in, offer to drive a neighbor or friend to their polling place. Being a responsible citizen is the best form of advocacy. We hope you’ll make your voice heard and support the arts – VOTE!

Holiday Music, Ballet, Storytelling Slated at RVCC Theatre

Celebrate the holidays at The Theatre at Raritan Valley Community College in Branchburg with performances featuring holiday music, classical ballet and great storytelling. The following shows will be presented in December:

A Joyful Christmas (Eileen Ivers), Saturday, December 1, at 8 p.m.; $25 & $35

World-renowned violinist Eileen Ivers and her band capture the spirit and magic of the season in her heartwarming Christmas holiday show. All-Ireland Fiddle Champion and music star of Riverdance, Ivers has established herself as the world’s preeminent exponent of the Irish fiddle. This program of American and Irish songs, original tunes and holiday favorites exemplifies the true meaning of Christmas. From the first note to the rousing finale, audiences of all ages are taken on a joyous musical journey. It’s a concert for the entire family that celebrates the pure spirit of the season.

The Great Russian Nutcracker (Moscow Ballet), Friday, December 7, at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.; $40 & $50

Moscow Ballet’s spectacular scenic design, gorgeous costumes and the exquisite artistry of 40 top Russian dancers have made The Great Russian Nutcracker an American holiday tradition not to be missed. This critically acclaimed production entertains with new characters and larger-than-life puppets set against a stunning backdrop. An ethereal Dove, a messenger of peace, leads Masha and the Nutcracker to the peaceful kingdom. Beloved Russian fairytale characters, Father Christmas and his granddaughter the Snow Maiden, add to the whimsical and imaginative storytelling that sets this Nutcracker apart. As is the custom, the students of Gotta Dance will perform along with the professional dancers of the world-renowned company. Caroline Hidalgo and Gillian Peterson coordinate the auditions and rehearsals for the approximately 100 young dancers from Gotta Dance, which has studios in Martinsville, Warren, Basking Ridge and Branchburg.

The production will be enhanced by a special Nutcracker Tea Party event, Friday, December 7, at 6:30 p.m., in the RVCC Atrium. Tickets cost $30 for adults, $25 for children. This unique holiday event, perfect for children and their families, will be held between performances of The Great Russian Nutcracker. Guests will enjoy a sumptuous assortment of home-baked sweet treats, seasonal tea and homemade hot cocoa. And, as an extra-special treat, each child can have his or her picture taken with a Moscow Ballet ballerina—a special keepsake from an unforgettable evening. The photo is included in the ticket price. The event is recommended for children age four and older.

The Night Before Christmas Carol (David zum Brunnen), Tuesday, December 11, at 1 p.m. & 7 p.m.; $15 (General admission; recommended for audiences age 14 and older; includes discussion and light refreshments; audience members may pre-order a $5 box lunch and dine before the 1 p.m. show.)

Join Charles Dickens in his study on Friday, October 13, 1843 as history, humor and the holiday come to life. Written by renowned Dickens scholar and author, Dr. Elliot Engel, The Night Before Christmas Carol gives audiences a humorous (and historically accurate) glimpse into the life of the real Dickens and his inspirations for his world-famous wintry morality tale. Gifted actor David zum Brunnen portrays Charles Dickens and 17 familiar characters in an energetic and acclaimed performance, giving personal, social and historical context to the ghostly classic.

Those attending are asked to participate in the Theatre’s book exchange by bringing a previously read novel and then taking one from the lobby display.

For tickets to any of the productions, call the Box Office, 908-725-3420, or order online at www.rvccArts.org. Subscribers’ packages are available for most Theatre series. Senior citizen, student and group discounts are also available for most performances.

RVCC is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg, NJ. For further information, visit www.raritanval.edu.

New Jersey Symphony Orchestra presents Handel’s Messiah

Montclair State University Singers, quartet of vocal soloists join members of NJSO for Christmastime masterwork

Members of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra perform Handel’s Messiah with the Montclair State University Singers and a quartet of vocal soloists December 14 and 16 in Princeton and Newark, respectively.

Patrick Dupré Quigley conducts a historically informed interpretation of Handel’s masterwork—a Christmastime tradition in concert halls across the world. Soprano Margot Rood, countertenor Reginald Mobley, tenor Steven Soph and baritone Charles Wesley Evans join the Orchestra and choir.

Performances take place on December 14 at 8 pm at the Richardson Auditorium in Princeton and December 16 at 7 pm at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, a new venue for the NJSO’s Messiah program.

The Star-Ledger has praised the NJSO’s performances of the masterwork with the Montclair State University Singers, writing: “Together, orchestra, chorus, conductor and soloists brought out the work’s many shades, and delivered that one particular seasonal requirement, a rousing ‘Hallelujah.’”

Concert tickets start at $20 and are available for purchase at njsymphony.org or 1.800.ALLEGRO (255.3476).

THE PROGRAM

Handel’s Messiah

Friday, December 14, at 8 pm | Richardson Auditorium in Princeton

Sunday, December 16, at 7 pm | Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark

Patrick Dupré Quigley, conductor

Margot Rood, soprano

Reginald Mobley, countertenor

Steven Soph, tenor

Charles Wesley Evans, baritone

Montclair State University Singers | Heather J. Buchanan, director

Members of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra

HANDEL Messiah

The Orchestra invites the audience to participate in the centuries-old tradition of standing at the beginning of the Messiah’s “Hallelujah Chorus.”

Full concert information is available at njsymphony.org/messiah.

NEW JERSEY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Named “a vital, artistically significant musical organization” by The Wall Street Journal, the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra embodies that vitality through its statewide presence and critically acclaimed performances, education partnerships and unparalleled access to music and the Orchestra’s superb musicians.

Music Director Xian Zhang—a “dynamic podium presence” The New York Times has praised for her “technical abilities, musicianship and maturity”—continues her acclaimed leadership of the NJSO. The Orchestra presents classical, pops and family programs, as well as outdoor summer concerts and special events. Embracing its legacy as a statewide orchestra, the NJSO is the resident orchestra of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark and regularly performs at State Theatre New Jersey in New Brunswick, Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank, Richardson Auditorium in Princeton, Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown and bergenPAC in Englewood. Partnerships with New Jersey arts organizations, universities and civic organizations remain a key element of the Orchestra’s statewide identity.

In addition to its lauded artistic programming, the NJSO presents a suite of education and community engagement programs that promote meaningful, lifelong engagement with live music. Programs include school-time Concerts for Young People; NJSO Youth Orchestras family of student ensembles, led by José Luis Domínguez; and El Sistema-inspired NJSO CHAMPS (Character, Achievement and Music Project). NJSO musicians annually perform original chamber music programs at community events in a variety of settings statewide through the NJSO Community Partners program.

For more information about the NJSO, visit njsymphony.org or email information@njsymphony.org. Tickets are available for purchase by phone at 1.800.ALLEGRO (255.3476) or on the Orchestra’s website.

The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra’s programs are made possible in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, along with many other foundations, corporations and individual donors.